As a Dutch Artist in fine- arts, I graduated in 2007 at the Academy of Fine Arts in The Netherlands, with a major in education and in drawing. Throughout the years, I developed myself in oil painting. Classic oil painting inspired by the famous Dutch painters of the Golden Age, but also alla prima inspired by the impressionists. Although the techniques I’m using can be classified as classic or traditional, I combine these with modern ease and with a notion of the negative environmental impact of oil paint by using more natural products. My artistic growth into oil paint resulted in a teacher position at Art Partout: the Realistic Fine Arts Academy in The Netherlands and a business in commissioned and non-commissioned artwork.
Creativity and curiosity flows through my veins, combined with a deep rooted affinity for nature and outdoors. This mix creates an abundance in my life, driving me to discover uncharted territories. (e.g. new styles/techniques) and embrace the unknown by e.g. moving end of 2023 from The Netherlands to the stunning Bunurong Land*/ Mornington Peninsula, southeast of Melbourne, Australia.
Preferably I paint with a loose touch, although some paintings require more patience and more details. Somehow I navigate between impressionism and realism. I begin with a raw emotion, an observation, a movement or scene, creating a painting that often surprises even me. It is the ultimate collaboration of heart, head, hands and paint, requiring dedicated time and full attention.
My paintings are inspired by glimmers and hopefully contribute as a glimmer to your day. Glimmers are fleeting moments of profound beauty, sparks of joy and peace that gift your soul. Everyday moments that elicit a rush of happiness, calmness and gratitude. I am well aware that it is a privilege to focus my mind on glimmers, while others are surrounded by triggers and living in places of suffering. I have a deeply rooted belief that we must expose the beauty of nature as an everlasting reminder of how beautiful the world could be.
*I acknowledge the Bunurong / Boon Wurrung people, the traditional custodians of these lands and waters of which I work and gather, and pay out respect to elders past, present and emerging. I feel privileged and grateful that I may live here for a while.
